Hola,

I just woke up a little while ago. I decided to sleep on the bus instead of get up to go to the hotel. Usually when I do that I am bombarded with mail and traumas and dont really sleep anyway!

I am happy cuz the mail has fallen to just fan and friends mail now. The biz mail is almost 90% on hold until 2005.

I am so excited about the response to Faces in the US. The fans, the press...radio...Really exciting. Wit some luck I think this CD can surprise a lot of people!

We have to leave the hotel in 10 minutes to do a live radio performance. I forget the call letters of the station cuz I am a dumbass, but the DJ Kricket is a friend and is wicked cool. She has more tattoos than me!

Rochester was a lot of fun. We more than doubled the attendance from the previous years, I think about 4,000 people more. Fun crowd, lots of friendly faces again. Raymie and Taz were there from the Sava crew. Eric Adams was back in the house to bring his son. We are going to do a hunting trip in January. He is filming a hunting DVD. Should be fun. I am hoping to hook up with Manowar on some shows this summer, that would be so amazing. I love that band!

Of course the night ended with some Dinosaur Barbeque! We had so much it is stuffed in the bus fridge now!

Tonite I will head towards my Mom's. Then it is actually 2 days off and then off to Philly. I think I will drive there so I can bring my Jeep back to the city. It will be awaiting my return (unlike my cat who has overtaken Mom's house) on the 30th.

Almost done and I am just warming up! I hate short, easy tours like this one. Actually the tour is kinda short compared to some that I have done. Savatage used to hit 10 months straight.

Thanks to all who have supported us on this amazing ride. The crowds have been better, the shows have been so much fun. DDP would be so proud of everyone.

Another visit last night. During "Christmas Nights in Blue", which is a spot where DDP usually did 3 Kings I was playing and my volume pedal shut off on my floor board. It went back on its own. Dave Z even saw this happen....The Garden is going to be so amazing...very haunting and special.

I am off to work again!

Talk to you after the show if I get time...

CC

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Hi!

Back from radio! The show was great. I really like Kricket...she is so cool! We played "Prince of Peace" , "Promises To Keep" and "Christmas Nights in Blue" acoustically....

CNIB was a lot of fun, never did it acoustically before.

I have a few hours to relax before soundcheck. James, Alex and I just raided the leftover Drunken Shamless Shrimp from the Dinosaur on the bus! YUM!

I am going to rest for a bit and do some mail.

Cheers,

Chris

The Children were all nestled...blah, blah, blah...

OK...

I am at Mom's. Frickin' exhausted. My neighbors were at the show and drove me home. The local newspaper is coming here at noon to take pictures. In my high school year book I mentioned wanting to play the Garden...so, they r doing a story on this. Pretty cool!

My cat hates me...I have too much junk mail (actual post office mail) and I have to try to get to the mall!

I will speak to you more tomorrow. I hope you are all safe with your families and loved ones.

Ho, ho, holy sheet I am tired!

Chris

OK...

Just finished the photo shoot for the Times Herald Record.

Lots of pictures, I am sure I looked like a Christmas Zombie!

No rest for the Redneck Santa!

I am going to try to get a small nap and then go fire up the chainsaw and axe! Good clean fun!!!

Talk to you later in the day!

Chris

I just noticed that we passed 1600 in here...that was really quick from 1500!!!

Another quick hello.

My cat is finally in my bed here and sleeping. She was ignoring me for the past 12 hours!

Just wanted to add a few more notes about the Albany show. Thanks to all of the 11,000 fans and friends in the crowd!

Thanks again to Kricket for all of your support and friendship.

Thanks to my neighbors Gene and Lynda Monteith and their family for driving me to Mom's!

Thanks to Joy and Michelle for all of your help here during the insanity...

The show was fun...Grand Rapids still wins....

I am gonna watch some frickin' football!

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house...not a creature was stirring except the one who really needs sleep!

Some of my family was over the house today. My brother is supposed to arrive tomorrow...noone really knows what time! I was going to go to the band Christmas dinner in the city, I always miss it...but...due to the late arrival of my brother I believe I am going to my sister's fiance's Mom's house and then coming back here to my Mom's before driving to the city to meet the bus on Sunday. All of this still does not seem to lead to any sort of rest! I did manage to fire up the chainsaw for a while today. Always a lot of fun. Also spent some time at the neighbor's. their new house is just about finished. It looks amazing.

We opened mostly everything tonite. Something that started a few years ago because my sister has no patience!!! Hunting has seemed to have taken over my Christmas scheme of gifts. I have gotten assorted clothes once more. Also a new case for my bow and some arrows from Mom. Then there is the supply of Gander Mountain gift certificates which I am going to use for a new Muzzle Loader in January!

I also got my new Hess truck...I have gotten them the last 10 years in a row or so...lots of fun! Add some socks and cologne and it was truly Christmas once more! Lots to eat...still working so not really taking advantage of that.

Good footballl game today. Watched bits and pieces between sleep and firewood.

I hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas. If I do not get a chance to speak to you later in the day I will talk to you from my house in the city after the Philly gigs. I want to go home and take the subway to The Garden!!!! With any luck I may make last call at McCann's Sunday night!

Thanks again for an amazing year. A few days 'til I live a true Christmas dream. You all helped make it come true. I thank you for that.

Peace...

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!!

Good morning...

Just got woken up by a phone call from Jon Oliva...Talked about goin to see Mom and Dad Oliva...made me think of Criss...

I wanted to write a quick note that extra prayers and thoughts are here today with all of the members of the Pediford family. I know the loss will hurt more today. I have been saying Merry Christmas since Nov. 11th. Not that I am used to the loss, but things must be so difficult today. Please be strong and remember that he is always going to be there with you.

To all others who have suffered losses recently, my thoughts are the same. Those in the military, the Abbott family...anyone who misses a loved one today. Remember the good times and let their love and memory try to warm you on this day...

Chris

Hi!

Technically it is still Christmas...so I replied to the Christmas post!

I hope you all had a great day.

I went to visit my sister's fiance's family early in the afternoon. Lots of serious old world traditional Portugese food! Yum!

I was stuffed and watched the Lakers/Heat game. Good game.

We then returned to Mom's to await my brother's arrival.

I spoke to a ton of friends on the phone. Everyone from Tim Cain to Balls Mahoney the wrestler! Paul O'Neill, Paul Morris, Igor (He phoned to tell me that a friend of ours commited suicide a few days ago... ), James Lewis a bunch of times. He and his girl sounded like they were having a great time! Kemp called first, she if flying in for the Garden show. I will see her here New Years too...I miss my friend!

I had a very long conversation with DDP's wife Tina. We laughed and cried a bit. I really think that Monday is going to be very special.

My sis and her Jamie showed up and we opened some more gifts. Got a couple of cool shirts from my bro. They headed out and we watched Elf...which I thought was really cute!!! It seriously gave me back a bit of the Christmas spirit that I had lost from being on the road for so long. Saying Merry Christmas in early Nov. kinda beats some of the Christmas out of ya...but I thought about how many people we mke smile and watched this movie. Kinda pathetic when a movie like Elf can make ya teary eyed huh?

Yup...Red Neck Santa is very human sometimes!

BUT...I need sleep...gotta get up at 7:30 to get the local paper and then head to the city to meet the buses!

Looking forward to relaxing and kicking some Christmas ass again this week!

Goodnight!

Chris

Speaking of pro wrestlers...looks like the Blue Meanie will be in the house tomorrow...he just e-mailed me! I have some pretty interesting friends!

Not a creature was stirring...not even Igor!

Well...I am stirring. I just got home and sorted through some of my things. I am almost moved out of the bus. Actually we had to change buses today. Ours was sick. We got a cool new white one. Only thing is I forgot my Pisses Me Off license plate! ARGH!

Today was the longest month of my life!

I woke up at 7AM. Had coffe with my Mom and my brother. I walked down the driveway to get the local newspaper...the story was there. Very cool! I had to leave at 8:30 for the city. Matinee day ya know!

On the way there I was driving very Sammy Hagar. Just wanted to be on time. I did pass a speed trap but qiockly exited the highway to avoid the definate encounter with Smokey Bear. OOPS!

Once in the city I parked my Jeep and got onto the bus to Philly. We switched buses and headed to soundcheck. Brian "The Blue Meanie" was stopping by for both shows. He is a pro wrestler for those of you who do not know. WWF...ECW...he has his own league now. His girl, Jasmin St. Claire is a good friend too but she was out of the country visiting family.

He arrived and it was show time. I was very well rested. Great show. 11,000 at the matinee. 10,000 for the night! WOW 21,000 in Philly...the land of the first EVER TSO show!

I heard Reggie White passed away today. Very sad.

I did have my Donavan McNabb jersey...

After show one we headed to the bus. I was hanging out with Stevie and Meanie. A couple of mine and Z's friends Elissa nad Ashley were there too. They arrived late for show 1...but were coming to NY for New Years anyway...so we will get time together.

Dinner...shower...show #2...it happens so fast! Only 4 left! Yikes!

The night time show was great also. I am having so much fun onstage now! I can't wait for the show tonite...I would say tomorrow...but it is today. Get it?

LONG autograph line. Meanie played body guard. Not that we need it at a TSO show, but it is fun! Back to the bus for some Cheesesteaks and off to NY.

I had said the whole tour that I wanted to get to McCann's the night before the Garden. My Jeep was parked right by the band's hotel in a lot. When we arrived I told our driver Doc to wait for me so I could grab my stuff. I was also taking Stevie back to his place. When my Jeep finally came down the elevator it was about 10 minutes later. We drove around the corner and Doc was gone. It was 3:35...I was doubtful on gettin g to Astoria in time for last call. Not a serious problem, but I was considering it good luck if I made it. Doc turned around and met me at 3:45. I threw the Jeep into 4 wheel drive and headed to Astoria. On the way I developed a bit of color blindness. Could not tell red from green, do I just chose green!

I walked into McCann's at 4:59. Penguin hat and all...John the bartender could not refuse me then! One quick one and off to the house. Igor was working, but I have not seen him. It has been 9 weeks since he started fixing my bathroom sink! I have guests for New Years so he has only a few days left! What a Spaceball!!!

OK...tomorrow is the day. Kemp gets in sometime in the AM. she is coming right here and then we will head to the city in the afternoon. 5 o'clock soundcheck...

Tomorrow is going to kick some serious Christmas butt!

I need to try to get a little sleep. Luckily I am home, I don't have to wake up! The other band members in the hotel have to check out at noon. I will be out of here by 3!

Full report from Maine...

Thanks again for the long road here. So many new Faces in CC land. 2005 should be even crazier. Thanks for the madness!

CC

WOW...

Yesterday was a blurr...it all happened so fast!

Kemp arrived in town and she headed to my house from the airport. I must admit I missed my friend a lot. We hung out and caught up on things. She of course left her phone in the cab so we had to try to track it down. No luck.

I did try to do some cleaning around the house. Igor is a frickin' mess sometimes! New Years should be fun. I will see Kemp and a few of her friends as well as some more of mine.

Pretty soon it was almost 3PM. I went downstairs to see John my landlord's brother and awaited the arrival of my car to the show. Paul refused to let me take the subway!

I dropped Kemp off in the city at her place and continued on. I took a little video with my camera. I wanted to video tape the whole day, but I never got a recorder!

Pulling up it was pretty insane, not cuz I was playing the Garden, but because it was frickin' freezing! Wind whipping, I had 3 bags...I ran inside and had to walk up this huge ramp to the floor level.

Once inside I was starving...never did eat! I headed to the venue and took some photos. I planned out my route to run in the crowd and headed back to try to get outside to take a picture of the marquee!

WOW was it cold. This frickin' marquee took forever to rotate through the screens. I froze for 15 minutes. Finally I got the shot! It was so cool to see. The whole day was so dream like.

I then headed back to soundcheck, still no food out! Yikes!

We rehearsed the tribute to Daryl one more time and I headed to make sure all of my guests were taken care of.

The meet-n-greet pre-show was at 6:30. I had a meeting with Paul and Bob about the set and the "Music Box Blues" performance.

My Mom and Dad were there. Greek Jon, his girl, Sister, their Mom, Igor, my Mom's friends, my Aunt alice...lots of people. Kemp arrived with her friend and I spent a lot of time with as many of them as possible. I had a few business meetings too!

There was so much family there. Jen's, Meeuns, James, Stevie's, Bob's, Paul's, Daniell's, Wood's, many others I am sure.

It was almost showtime. I had to talk onstage for the check presentation. That was a rush in its own right!

Right before the show I was sent a laminate made by Daryl's wife Tina. It was so special, tears were something that were not going to be uncommon this night from that point on.

The lights went down and we were about to begin our sold out show at MSG!

I was happy to see Paul Morris right up front. Ingrid had an extra ticket and I bought it just in case I needed one last minute. It was my gift to Mr. Morris!

I also noticed 6 empty seats in the front row. I started to think. My family was in a luxury box, those are great, but kinda far away. So...I put the wheels in motion to get those seats to them. By the time I was talking my Mom, Kemp, Jon's mom and sister and others had made their way to row A!!!

The whole show was fun. I did have to rib the crowd a bit because they were not rising up to Grand Rapids. I must admit there was the loudest yell I had ever heard at a TSO show...but Grand Rapids was still the best all around audience we had ever seen. Must have been something in the water. That Rocky Mountain River!!!

Joe Cerasano came out to sing with us in Carmina. I was channeling into some cool solos. You stood backstage and saw all of these legends of music and their photos. I wanted to make sure I was not letting the spirits down.

After Requiem I introduced Paul. He introduced the next song. We played Music Box Blues...this was the suirprise we had rehearsed. We took the studio track of Daryl. Synced it to a time track. Then we played along. The first time we tried this it was impossible to get through it. The lights were set to just be a spot light on an empty mic. I started the song with DDP. I could not contain the tears. It was so haunting! This was so odd 'cuz it was almost a closure to DDP onstage with us. Not spiritually, but physically. After the song I had to talk and it was very difficult to fight through the tears. The show was to be a celebration of our hard work for 8 years and DDP was a big part of that. He will never leave us. Me for sure!

I ran around the arena and just enjoyed the moment. I stopped by Mom, I had to say hi to Kemper, I stopped by to see Tina...Mrs. Pediford and we hugged. She is such an amazing person. I continued on.It was so much fun to hear the roar. By far the loudest crowd when I called for response from the crowd. This I loved. We finished and I said goodnight.

The autograph line was not happening this night. I don't know 100% the reason. I suppose a few. We had 500 family members and guests. We would not be able to enjoy this celebration with them if we did the line. I did try to sign a few books in the crowd. I also have a feeling that Union rules in this building were making it impossible to have the kind of delay we wanted to get people to see their guests. So...we ove all of you, but we had to make a decision.

I look at it this way, for whatever reason, we have given about 75 hours of line signing on this tour...we got one back for this night! We love you guys, you know this!

I had the rabbits foot on me all night. DDP was in the house for sure!

I said goodbye to everyone and Kemp helped me carry my stuff to the bus. I think the night went amazing, it was just such a blurr! The phone never stopped ringing. G from Sava.com gave me a Rangers Jersey to wear. NY fans are not forgiving of the hockey strike. I should have worn it backwards so they could have seen the #11!!!!!

Anyway, I am in Maine, the bus is leaving the hotel soon...

I must run!

3 left...I am going to have so much fun these next shows!!!!

Thanks again for the evolution of dreams and the memories!

Chris

Yikes!

OK...really quick...

Yes...we are at the Moheegan Sun Casino hotel...

No...I have not slept yet....

Yes...I have lost a lot of $$$...

No...I am not learning from this experience...

Yes...I will go to sleep and face a new day...

No...I will not stay out of the Casino...

Yes...I know it is better to spend my money on other things...

No...I am not learning from this experience!!!!!!

Goodnight!

C

WOW!

One more left huh?

Yesterday was fun. Never really got back into the casino for gambling, just wandered and took pictures.

I was happy because I gave our caterers some venison and they had steaks and meatballs cooked up for dinner! YUM!

The show was good...weird room at times because they give great seats to high rollers and they either pull a no show or go to the tables throughout the show. We sold the place way out. It was a great show. Tonite should be funny. End of tour shows always are!

I did mention the Foxwoods bit when I introduced DDP...it is tough not to laugh and do that! A friend of mine gave me a cool DDP coffee mug, I was pleased with that delivery to my hotel room in the morning!

On a haunting note...my war CD...yikes...It keeps being too in tune with what it going on. This Tsunami thing is what I sang about in "Beat Me, You'll never Beat Me". Man can kill man...claim in the name of God or a god...but the planet is more powerful than even the most powerful war machines.

I pray for the victims and their families. This should be a wake up call...but, I have a feeling those with different agendas will find their way to play god anyhow.

I am going to really enjoy tonite...if I get a chance I will talk to you tomorrow when I get home.. If not, I will talk to you next year....

3-2-1 Happy 2005 and thanks again for a magical 2004.

Next step...seeing Chris Caffery's "Faces" live!

Off to the gym!

Chris

Hey....

Pretty cool...there ia a wireless signal in catering!

90 minutes til the last one starts...

Maybe I will try to talk to you during the show!

C

Hi!

Old City Bar as we speak....well...unfortunately it is just catering again! Yup...I am talking to you during a show...this must be a first for an arena headliner anywhere!

Amazing show!

Back to work!!!

Chris

The last night of the tour was fun. I think the funniest part was the very beginning of Angel Came Down...I had a distorted sound on for my harmonic...it blasted out!

The introductions were fun. The guys were laughing so hard at anything I said. On purpose. It was silly. I did have my Boston Jersey on, but I wore the Yankee hat to the signing line!

You did see that I posted during the show...found the wireless hot spot...I do not think this will become a habit...more like a surprise.

We ended up and said our goodbyes. Hectic day. The frickin' buses were about a 10 minute walk from the stage door. Pain in the ass for the last show.

We all wound up across the street at some bar with my brother Phil. James had to get to an airport on the crew bus...we eventually were an hour late for bus call and headed back to NY. I think I arrived at 7:30 to my house here. Igor left it a frickin' mess...so I spent 2 hours cleaning.